Arvind Kejriwal relaunches anti-graft helpline, says will act against AAP members too, if they are wrong

New Delhi: In order to curb down corruption in the national capital, Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Sunday re-launched an anti-graft helpline number (1031) by making a mock call against a local food inspector amid cheer.

Along with Kejriwal Deputy CM Manish Sisodia was also present during the launch ceremony of the renewed anti-corruption helpline. The mega event was held at the Talkotra stadium here.

According to reports, two large screens were installed at the back of the stadium projecting the events on the dais. A large number of people had gathered here to be a part of the launch. 

Confirming the news, the official Twitter handle of Arvind Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party wrote: “Congratulations Delhi !! #AAPHelpLine is there to serve you. Dial 1031 to report Corruption.”  

Congratulations Delhi !! #AAPHelpLine is there to serve you. Dial 1031 to report Corruption. pic.twitter.com/IwMM2jNw6G

— Aam Aadmi Party (@AamAadmiParty) April 5, 2015

Anti Corruption Helpline 1031 launched in Delhi. #AAPHelpLine pic.twitter.com/w8FuxefZn2 — Aam Aadmi Party (@AamAadmiParty) April 5, 2015

.@ArvindKejriwal dialing Anti Corruption Helpline 1031 #AAPHelpLine pic.twitter.com/FJ1eS4ZlCb — Aam Aadmi Party (@AamAadmiParty) April 5, 2015

Shortly after the re-launch, while addressing the crowd, Kejriwal said, "Last time our party was in power for 49 days, we had launched this helpline. We are re-launching it today."  

He further said, “We have the courage to take action against our own party members if they are wrong. If tomorrow Sisodia is found corrupt, he will go to jail. I will also go to jail if found corrupt.” 

Kejriwal added that the AAP government was dedicated to making Delhi corruption-free. "We will use tech on a large-scale to make Delhi top five corruption-free cities in the world in 5 years," he said.

Adding that a conspiracy was being hatched against him ever since the AAP came to power, Delhi CM said, "Ever since our party came to power, a conspiracy is on against me. The blackmailers and corrupt people have come together to tarnish my image." 

The chief minister said anyone can "get fame within 24 hours by abusing" him. However, he did not name anyone in his speech.

A dedicated helpline for reporting cases of corruption was one of the major promises made by AAP in its manifesto for the Assembly elections this year.

A group of volunteers has been trained to run the 24/7 helpline and attend the calls in English and Hindi. The executives will also direct the callers on how to conduct sting operations. All the calls will be divided into two categories - serious and non-serious.

"You can complain against bribe demands by a government official or can report corruption if you have recorded audio or video evidence against an officer. Within 48 hours, a member of the anti-corruption branch will contact you and collect your evidence for further investigation," explained a call handler on the 1031 helpline number to the Press Trust of India.

Any sting video or audio clip will be put through a forensic test during the investigation, which will be handled by the anti-corruption branch of Delhi government.

The helpline has undergone a makeover and can now attend 10,000 calls per day compared to just 1,000 last time. 

Before 2014 Delhi elections, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had assured to root out corruption from the city. The entire election campaign was based around this crusade.

(With Agency inputs)

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